A deep-breathing exercise to clear the mind and relieve stress

Without looking at a dictionary, define breathing. Most likely, you’ll come up with something along the lines of “the most natural human action,” or “we can’t live without it”. Breathing is such a profound yet simple thing, no wonder that there are thousand-year-old practices that explore different breathing techniques and the way they affect our well-being, both mental and physical.

One of such methods is deep breathing exercises. Quick and easy, they can improve the quality of your life. No need for special equipment or a designated time slot. Practice whenever you feel the need.

Step one. Take a deep, slow breath through your nose, stretch it for about 4-5 seconds.

Step two. Pause and hold it for 16 seconds.

Credit: Freepik

Take just a few minutes out of each day to bring yourself to a state of calm and wellness and balance your life using a combination of guided meditations and mindfulness techniques. The techniques are a simple, practical relaxation method for anyone.

Step three. Also slowly, over the span of about eight seconds, exhale through your nose.

That’s it! Now repeat it nine times.

Credit: Freepik

The trick, here, is to make this a conscious activity, so be aware of how your body reacts. If you’re tense - and many of us fail to notice how tense we are all the time because it’s become our natural state - tell your muscles to relax.

The BetterMe Team wants you and those close to you to live a healthy, happy life! Your health is a valuable thing; look after your body and your mind so that you can live your life to the fullest – Remember you only get one!

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This article is solely for informational purposes and is not intended to provide medical advice. BetterMe doesn’t take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, exercise, diet, application of medication or any similar action which results from reading or following the information contained in this article. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your physician or other health care provider.